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Grant gets the 13th Street Alley Activation Closer to Completion

Mon, Oct 15, 2018

GRANT MOVES DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION CLOSER TO ALLEY GOAL

The Pacific Power Foundation awarded a grant of $2,000 to the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association for its 13th Street Alley Activation project. The project–estimated to cost approximately $12,500–is now almost 50 percent funded.

The Alley, connecting Duane and Commercial Streets in downtown Astoria, has until now been a dark, neglected and underutilized corridor. A red lantern installation commemorating the Chinese New Year was on display in the alley last winter, with a subsequent white lantern installation on display for the IlluminArt Festival in April. Public response to the installations was very positive, and the proposal for a permanent installation was met with great enthusiasm.

“Activating this alley is a win on two levels,” said ADHDA Executive Director Sarah Lu Heath. “It makes the space more attractive and welcoming to pedestrians who may have otherwise avoided the alley, and with the increased lighting and activity, it becomes far less attractive to people who are up to no good,” she said. “The Pacific Power Foundation is proud to support local beautification projects such as the 13th Street Alley project in Astoria. Like Ms. Heath stated, this project is a community win for beautification and safety,” Alisa Dunlap, Regional Business Manager, Pacific Power.

Heath, who has helped lead the effort to pursue a permanent lighting and art installation for the Alley, said the first phase of the lantern installation will be created over the next several weeks. As for the art component of the installation, a request for proposals from regional artists will be issued this winter if funding is completed. Heath expressed gratitude to Bogh Electric for donating time and materials to make electrical preparations for the permanent installation.

An additional $6,000 is needed to fully fund the 13th Street Alley project. Contributions may be made online, mailed to ADHDA, PO Box 261, Astoria, Oregon 97103, or delivered to Old Town Framing, 1287 Commercial Street. Questions about the project may be directed to Sarah Lu Heath, sarah@astoriadowntown.com.